Intention And Attention

The force behind all actions is the power of our intention, the thing we want to achieve, the outcome we set out to accomplish. Once we have a clear picture of intended outcome now we can turn to the task at hand with full attention. With this reasoning in mind we get a better understanding of what concentration is all about. The formula is: intention x attention = concentration. Don't let yourself be distracted by anything. Give your intention your full attention.

Use An Agenda

For all meetings make use of an agenda. Use the agenda to first establish the purpose and the objectives of the meeting, including the important meetings with yourself. Stick to the points and go through them one by one. At the end, make note of the items you discussed, what decisions were made, who was going to take action and by when they are expected to be completed. This way the agenda also can serve as a simple follow up tool after the meeting. With a constructive use of an agenda your meetings can be made shorter and much more effective.

Recognition Leads To Repetition

Reinforce the behaviors you like to see more often in your team members. Oftentimes and instinctively we do the opposite both as managers and as parents. We nag about what we don't want them to do instead of encouraging the behaviors we want. Focus on catching your people doing right. Bragg on them publicly! There is a saying that goes; "if they overhear you telling someone else, they will remember it forever." Recognition leads to repetition. You can deal with criticism later.

First Reckon Your Resources

Before launching out into a new venture first appraise your power-base. What about the concept, is your new idea sound? Check the calendar, can you devote the necessary time? Do you have the cash you need and the character to bring it to conclusion? What about your competition and your connections? It is who you know that counts, you know. Finally, are you cool to stay flexible and adaptable as the project progresses? Reckon your resources before you begin.

Change Yourself First

Have you ever noticed it is easier to change yourself than to change everyone else? What do we learn from this? In relationships and communication work on yourself first. People behave rationally from their own point of view. Don't ask what they can do for you, ask what you can do for them. Try to understand before you try to make yourself understood. Adapt to their style of communication. Probe for greater clarity and understanding. You change first!

Set Smarter Goals

Your goals should be S.M.A.R.T. with the acronyms meaning; specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. Herein lies the difference between dreaming and setting goals. If you don't know exactly what you want, how to measure success, achieve it through a well thought out action plan that is realistic on a deadline, you don't have a goal, just a dream. To set smarter goals add expectation management to stay flexible and adaptable if needed and finally make sure the goal is relevant for you, in sync with all the other parts of your life.

Close The Loops

Have you ever forgotten to do something you promised someone? Have you missed to check if a delegated task has been completed? Open loops, unfinished business, drain energy from your brain and can be the cause of anxiety and restlessness. Create a system for closing loops that work for you. You need a system for capture; note pad, Dictaphone, folders on you computer and you need a system for recall; making sure you check your notes on a daily and weekly basis. Close the loops in your life.